

Dad Tired
Jerrad Lopes
You’re tired.
Not just physically; though yeah, that too.
You’re tired in your bones. In your soul.
Trying to be a steady husband, an intentional dad, a man of God… but deep down, you feel like you’re falling short. Like you’re carrying more than you know how to hold.
Dad Tired is a podcast for men who are ready to stop pretending and start healing.
Not with self-help tips or religious platitudes, but by anchoring their lives in something (and Someone) stronger.
Hosted by Jerrad Lopes, a husband, dad of four, and fellow struggler, this show is a weekly invitation to find rest for your soul, clarity for your calling, and the courage to lead your family well.
Through honest stories, biblical truth, and deep conversations you’ll be reminded:
You’re not alone. You’re not too far gone. And the man you want to be is only found in Jesus.
This isn’t about trying harder.
It’s about coming home.
Not just physically; though yeah, that too.
You’re tired in your bones. In your soul.
Trying to be a steady husband, an intentional dad, a man of God… but deep down, you feel like you’re falling short. Like you’re carrying more than you know how to hold.
Dad Tired is a podcast for men who are ready to stop pretending and start healing.
Not with self-help tips or religious platitudes, but by anchoring their lives in something (and Someone) stronger.
Hosted by Jerrad Lopes, a husband, dad of four, and fellow struggler, this show is a weekly invitation to find rest for your soul, clarity for your calling, and the courage to lead your family well.
Through honest stories, biblical truth, and deep conversations you’ll be reminded:
You’re not alone. You’re not too far gone. And the man you want to be is only found in Jesus.
This isn’t about trying harder.
It’s about coming home.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 3, 2023 • 41min
Seeing God As A Perfect Father with Louie Giglio | 358
Jerrad sits down with Louie Giglio to talk about what it means to see God as a perfect Father. Louie shares stories about his own dad, his struggles with approval and control. He also looks back to the moment he realized his view of God had been shaped by wounds he didn’t even know he had. This conversation will help you rethink who God really is and how your identity as His child changes everything.Tune in to discover how healing your view of God can transform your life as a dad, husband, and man of faith.What You’ll Hear:Why your view of God is the most important thing about youHow our earthly dads shape the way we see GodLouie’s story of struggle, burnout, and the pressure to proveWhat it means that God is not the reflection but the perfection of your earthly dadHow to break generational patterns and become a different kind of fatherThe difference between living for approval and living from approvalWhat it looks like to parent from a place of identity and graceWhy every man needs a Father—and how to begin that relationshipEpisode Resources:Louie Giglio’s new book – Seeing God as a Perfect Father Passion City Church – https://passioncitychurch.comVoice of the Martyrs Magazine – https://www.persecution.com“Indescribable” by Louie Giglio – widely available on YouTubeInvite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

Jun 26, 2023 • 33min
The Worry-Free Parent: How to Lead with Confidence with Sissy Goff| 357
Jerrad talks with counselor and author Sissy Goff about parenting with peace. Sissy shares why today’s parents are more anxious than ever, how that anxiety gets passed down, and what you can do to change the tone of your home. They also talk about the mental load in marriage, the pressure to parent perfectly, and the quiet strength kids find in calm, connected dads.Tune in to learn how to recognize your own worry, take back peace, and lead your family with steady confidence.What You’ll Hear:Why today’s parents are more anxious than everHow worry shows up in parenting without us noticingThe link between adult anxiety and anxious kidsThe parenting behaviors that actually increase fearWhat dads bring to the table that anxious homes needHow to balance correction with connectionWhy your anxiety might be contagiousPractical tools to help kids build real confidenceEpisode Resources:The Worry-Free Parent by Sissy GoffRaising Worry-Free GirlsHope Town Summer Program – https://www.raisingboysandgirls.comSissy Goff’s Website – https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/aboutInvite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

Jun 19, 2023 • 54min
Grief, Parenting and God's Goodness with Levi and Jennie Lusko| 356
Jerrad talks with Levi and Jennie Lusko about walking through grief, parenting in pain, and choosing to trust God when everything falls apart. They share what it was like to lose their five-year-old daughter and how that tragedy shaped the way they lead, love, and live today. This is a raw conversation about suffering, faith, and the goodness of God in the middle of heartbreak.Tune in to learn how to anchor your family in hope, even in your hardest seasons.What You’ll Hear:What Levi and Jennie learned from losing their daughterHow grief impacts marriage and parentingWhy you don’t have to “fix” your kids’ emotionsHow to stay rooted in God’s Word when life feels darkThe role of vulnerability in healingHow to walk with others through sorrowWhat it means to trust God’s character over your circumstancesThe hope that remains when nothing else makes senseEpisode Resources:Through the Eyes of a Lion by Levi Lusko -AmazonThe Fight to Flourish by Jennie Lusko – AmazonFresh Life Church – https://freshlife.churchLevi and Jennie’s teaching and resources – https://levilusko.comInvite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

Jun 12, 2023 • 37min
How to Ditch Loneliness & Build Real Friendship with Justin Whitmel Early| 355
Jerrad sits down with Justin Whitmel Earley to talk about why men often drift into isolation and how to push back against it. Justin shares the biblical and personal reasons friendship matters, and how to build deep, life-giving relationships even in a fast-paced and lonely culture. This episode is for every guy who feels alone, overwhelmed, or just unsure how to form lasting friendships.What You’ll Hear:Why loneliness is a spiritual issue, not just a social oneHow friendship shapes your walk with JesusWhat the Bible says about being made for peopleWhy secrets and isolation wear you downHow to find friends who know and love the real youWhy commitment, honesty, and vulnerability matterWhat it looks like to build a rhythm of friendshipHow your family benefits when you choose real connectionEpisode Resources:Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley Habits of the HouseholdLearn more at https://justinwhitmelearley.comDad Tired Family Leadership Program – https://www.dadtired.comInvite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

Jun 5, 2023 • 29min
Worry-Free Parenting: What the Ravens Teach Us About Raising Children| 355
In this epiode, Jerrad reflects on how anxiety has become a norm in modern parenting—and what Jesus has to say about it. He shares honest stories about mental health, stress, and the lies we believe when we try to control everything. Through Scripture and personal loss, he walks through a better way of thinking, feeling, and leading your family. Jesus didn’t just say “stop worrying.” He invited us to consider the ravens.Tune in to learn how renewing your mind can reshape your home.What You’ll Hear:Why anxiety feels normal, even in Christian homesHow tech and culture have amplified fear in familiesWhat Jesus actually meant when He said “do not worry”The mindset shift that leads to peace and presenceHow to move from anxiety to action as a dadThe biblical pattern of mind, will, and affectionWhat ravens and flowers reveal about God’s careHow to lead your kids with calm instead of controlEpisode Resources:Philippians 4:6–7 and Luke 12:24Romans 12:1–2 on renewing your mindDad Tired Family Leadership Program – https://www.dadtired.comInvite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

May 29, 2023 • 39min
Raise Confident Kids in a Confusing World with Ed Drew | 353
Jerrad talks with Ed Drew about how to help kids find their identity in Christ. Ed shares how the church can support families, why identity matters more than behavior, and how to respond when kids feel lost, anxious, or confused. This is a practical and gospel-rooted conversation for every parent who wants to raise secure kids in an insecure world.What You’ll Hear:Why your child’s identity matters more than their behaviorHow the church can help raise confident, Christ-rooted kidsWays to shift your language from correction to connectionHow to respond when kids are confused about gender or worthWhy calm, honest conversations matter more than perfect answersThe danger of finding value in achievement or imageHow to prepare kids for real-world questions with gospel truthWhat it means to be “God’s Plan A” for your familyEpisode Resources:Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World by Ed DrewFaith in Kids – https://www.faithinkids.orgDad Tired Family Leadership Program – https://www.dadtired.comInvite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

4 snips
May 22, 2023 • 27min
Why You Can't Change Your Child's Heart with Paul David Tripp| 352
Jerrad sits down with Paul David Tripp to talk about the real goal of parenting. Paul shares why behavior change isn’t enough and how heart transformation only happens through God. They talk about what gets in the way, how parents often carry pressure they were never meant to hold, and why grace is what shapes lasting change. Tune in to hear how lasting change in your home starts with trust in God, not perfect parenting.What You’ll Hear:Why you can’t change your child’s heart—and you’re not supposed toThe danger of parenting for behavior instead of transformationFive questions to help your kids understand their own heartWhy grace is essential when you mess up as a parentHow your identity can get wrongly tied to your child’s performanceWhat it means to be God’s tool, not His replacementWhy parenting requires patience, humility, and a long viewThe difference between reacting and responding with purposeEpisode Resources:Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp Paul David Tripp’s resources – https://www.paultripp.comDwell Differently – Scripture memory tools for families – https://www.dwelldifferently.com (Use code DADTIRED for 10% off)Dad Tired Family Leadership Program – https://www.dadtired.comInvite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

6 snips
May 15, 2023 • 23min
How Identity Shapes Fatherhood | 351
In this episode, Jerrad shares how a small moment in the kitchen led to two days of silence. What seemed like a simple argument uncovered old pressure, unspoken expectations, and a deep fear of not being enough. He reflects on how that pattern formed in childhood, how it still shows up today, and what it looks like to let Jesus into places marked by shame and performance.Tune in to hear how honesty can lead to healing, even in the quiet places you try to ignore.What You’ll Hear:How unhealed wounds show up in everyday parenting and marriageWhy a simple moment can expose deep identity strugglesThe lie every man wrestles with: “I’m not good enough”What childhood pain has to do with present behaviorWhy silence and anger often point to something deeperHow your story can shift when you let Jesus speak into itThe importance of counseling, confession, and soul healthWhat your kids need more than a perfect dadEpisode Resources:Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:1, Revelation 21Dad Tired Family Leadership Program – https://www.dadtired.comInvite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

May 8, 2023 • 35min
No Rules in Spiritual Warfare with Kaleb Allen | 350
In this episode, Jerrad and Kaleb Allen talk about spiritual warfare—specifically in the lives of children. Kaleb shares how moments of anger and insecurity in his home opened his eyes to something deeper happening in his kids’ hearts. He reflects on why discipline isn't always just about behavior, and how parents can miss the spiritual battle taking place underneath the surface. Together they talk about identity, prayer, and what it means to protect your home without fear or pressure.Tune in to hear how spiritual covering begins with honesty, humility, and simple faithfulness.What You’ll Hear:Why our kids aren’t exempt from spiritual warfareHow unhealed wounds show up in childhoodSigns that your child may be under spiritual pressureThe difference between discipline and discipleshipWhat it means to create a spiritual covering over your homeWhy simple prayers like the Lord’s Prayer still hold powerHow to help your kids recognize lies and stand on truthThe role of confession and repentance in family leadershipEpisode Resources:“The Christian in Complete Armour” by William GurnallThe Dad Tired Community (Free, off social media) – https://www.dadtired.comDad Tired Q&A Mixtape – wherever books are soldInvite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

May 1, 2023 • 24min
Starve The Sumo: How to Kill What's Trying to Kill You | 349
In this episode, Jerrad shares the burden of watching good men fall. Not because they wanted to, but because they fed something that eventually took over. He talks about hidden addictions, quiet compromises, and the kind of decisions that seem small until they’re not. He tells the story of what it means to let sin grow, how it steals joy and freedom, and what it looks like to cut it out before it cuts you down. This is about finishing well, not through willpower, but by starving what’s trying to take you out.Tune in to hear why your future depends on what you feed today.What You’ll Hear:Why moral failure doesn’t start bigHow compromise grows into controlWhat the Bible says about desire, sin, and deathWhy your habits shape the legacy your kids will rememberHow to starve what’s killing you instead of trying to manage itThe difference between salvation and discipleshipWhat Jesus meant when He said to cut it offWhy finishing well requires sacrifice, not just intentionEpisode Resources:James 1:15, Romans 12:1–2, Matthew 5:29–30Dad Tired Q&A MixtapeDad Tired Family Leadership Program – https://www.dadtired.comInvite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB


